Ojas: The Glow and Radiance of Good Health

BY BRIYA FREEMAN
Ojas, The Glow And Radiance of Good Health

We may have never heard of ojas before, but we know it when we see it : the glow of a woman in love; the magnetism of sages and saints; the power of a person living their purpose; or, the insatiable attraction we have toward the babies and young children.

Ayurveda recognizes a subtle bodily substance called ojas (pronounced o-jahs) as the foundation for our overall health, happiness and resilience to stress. Its name translates as “strength”, “splendour”, “lustre” or “powerful expression”.

Ojas is a very refined, protoplasmic-type substance formed by our bodily tissues, a by-product of kapha dosha. Ojas gives energy, radiance and endurance associated with strong immunity, fertility, creativity, clarity of mind and happiness.

On a spiritual level, ojas reflects our love for the world of form, the harmony between our physical selves and our spiritual nature. Ojas provides an earthy platform for higher states of spiritual perception.

Ojas is naturally high in newborns, young children and teenagers, who exhibit ojas through abundant energy, plump skin and a playful, curious attitude toward life. This is also why nutritional deficiencies or poor dietary habits may not show signs in their physical bodies until they are older.

Natural Constitution

Ojas is related to Kapha dosha, the constitutional type that is strong, slow and resilient. Kapha types tend to have natural reserves of ojas, apparent through their calm dispositions, resilience to stress and smooth, lustrous skin.

Those who are overweight may appear to have good ojas, but their tissues are not really formed by the same tissue quality. Those who are underweight tend to be have poor levels of ojas and less physical stamina.

All types can promote ojas through proper diet and lifestyle.

Stress Levels

Ojas becomes depleted by physical, emotional or mental over-exertion. This includes excessive use of technology (e.g. computers or smartphones), high stress levels and excessive use of the senses (e.g. too much talking, thinking, reading, eating or sexual activity).

Diet & Digestive Health

Ayurveda emphasizes good digestion as a foundation for overall health because what you digest creates your bodily tissues, the quality of your mind and your emotional states. Your digestive ability also includes the impressions you take in from your environment, your relationships and any unprocessed emotions or thoughts.

If your digestion is working well, your body will naturally create strong and well-nourished tissues. If you do not digest well, any undigested material (e.g. food, thoughts, impressions or emotions) form toxins (ama) in your body. Toxins block the subtle channels of the body and prevent even the healthiest food from being properly assimilated; this will result in fatigue, depleted tissues, digestive imbalances, moodiness, and eventually, disease.

Love is the ojas of the universe.

– Berdhanya Swami Tierra

Promoting Ojas In Your Life

The more we learn to live in harmony with ourselves and with the world around us, the more ojas shines through our eyes, skin and energy field.

Thank you for your comment. Working with a guru or spiritual teacher can be helpful to reduce stress, regardless of whether or not you are practicing celibacy. In my experience, working with a teacher, ayurveda and/or spiritual practices help to focus our energy — mental, emotional and physical energy — toward our highest potentials. A teacher can be helpful but may not be necessary, depending on your nature.